Photo credit: Congress PH

In a move that underscores its push for transparency and inclusive governance, the House of Representatives has formally adopted House Resolution No. 94—an important measure that opens the door for civil society organizations (CSOs) to participate as official non-voting observers in the budget deliberations of the House Committee on Appropriations.

The resolution, passed on Tuesday, was led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, along with Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, Jude A. Acidre, and Andrew Julian K. Romualdez. Together, they emphasized the significance of engaging the public more directly in shaping the national budget for 2026.

“Siguradong mas malakas ang boses ng taumbayan sa deliberasyon ngayon ng 2026 national budget para sa mas transparent na proseso,” said Speaker Romualdez, underscoring the House’s efforts to make the process more accessible and accountable.

Under HR No. 94, accredited people’s organizations will now be able to observe public hearings conducted by the appropriations committee and its sub-committees. This includes groups working on the ground in vital sectors like education, public health, social welfare, agriculture, environmental protection, and local governance—sectors that are often at the heart of national budget priorities.

The resolution entrusts the appropriations committee, in coordination with the committee on people’s participation, to establish the eligibility requirements and accreditation process for CSOs. Their involvement will be guided by the House’s internal rules.

Grounded in the 1987 Constitution’s provisions affirming the people’s right to participate in governance, the measure also cites the Revised Administrative Code’s definition of the national budget as a development tool—not just a financial document.

The authors of the resolution stressed that CSOs bring not just advocacy, but deep, real-world insights from the communities they serve. These perspectives, they argue, can help shape more balanced and responsive national spending.

This step also aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader push for sound fiscal management and better alignment of public spending with national goals, including infrastructure, healthcare, and digital transformation.

Speaker Romualdez has been vocal in championing transparency throughout the budget process. Beyond this resolution, he has also pushed for reforms such as opening the bicameral conference committee to the public and the media, and doing away with the so-called “small committee”—steps that further signal the House’s intention to demystify budget deliberations.

By giving civil society a formal space in the budget conversation, the House is taking a concrete step toward a more participatory and people-centered approach to governance.